Review: THE DUMBWAITER Still Powerful Theatre after Fifty Eight Years

THE DUMBWAITER, by Harold Pinter, is a one act play written in 1957. Almost 60 years on, it still has a lot to say about our need to assert our individuality while seeking meaning. It still manages to make a profound statement about the human condition. The title refers not only to the food lift that delivers orders to the two hit-men, Ben (Ken Webster) and Gus (Jason Phelps), but also refers to Gus, who doesn't know that he is waiting to be the victim, and possibly even to Ben, whose blind obedience to higher authority eventually causes him to be confronted with having to eliminate his partner.

Although realistic in many ways, there are also elements that are seemingly absurd, such as the messages delivered by the dumb waiter itself, or the delivery of an envelope containing twelve matchsticks. Pinter is notable for leaving his plays open to interpretation. Considered an absurdist comedy, it is possible to see this piece being about two men who wait in a world with neither meaning nor purpose, much like Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot. It is also valid to interpret the play as a political drama about the individual being destroyed by a higher power. Religion and society, the traditional structures of human morality, are, in Pinter's plays, the destroyers of the individual.

Mark Pickell, as director and scenic designer has done a terrific job with the piece. The basement set was perfect with nice small touches that made it seem entirely real. The sound the dumbwaiter itself made was wonderfully ominous. He has also steered his two actors in all the right directions.

Ken Webster and Jason Phelps are two actors at the top of their game and they delivered brilliant and riveting performances, filled with nuance and minute character touches. It was an absolute joy to watch these two men work.

Cheryl Painter delivered costumes that were perfect for the piece and Patrick Anthony's lighting design was just right.

In all, THE DUMBWAITER, is another shining example of Capital T Theatre's ability to present dark comedy with skill and style.

THE DUMBWAITER: by Harold Pinter

Running time: Approximately 1 hour without intermission.

THE DUMBWAITER, produced by Capital T Theatre, played Hyde Park Theatre (511 W43rd St).

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